Eighty-eight percent of voters polled think background checks should be required for people buying guns at gun shows. As for an assault weapons ban–58 percent favor it, 40 percent oppose. It’s almost certain some legislation will pass this session.

“Absolutely, positively unequivocally yes,” said Miller.

There’s been an increase in the number of Marylanders opposed to the death penalty. Opposition is up eight points from last year. Governor O’Malley is a death penalty opponent.

“I believe we should stop doing it,” he said.

Sixty-one percent of those polled think life without parole is an acceptable alternative to death, but lawmakers are still divided.

“Where is the concern for the victims’ families?” asked Baltimore County Senator Jim Brochin.

Governor O’Malley is sponsoring a death penalty repeal.

The poll also shows the governor has a 54 percent approval rating, but only 25 percent think he should run for president in 2016.

The poll is conducted by Gonzales Research and has a margin of error of 3.5 percent. Pollsters questioned a total of 801 registered voters in Maryland.

Pat Warren

Pat Warren joined the Eyewitness News team in 1992.
Pat came to WJZ from WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio where she had been a news anchor and general assignment reporter.
Her desire to give back to the community keeps Pat involved with many...